Tapachula is currently experiencing a severe agricultural crisis due to a weevil plague that has devastated up to 30% of banana crops. Small producers in the lower area of the municipality are reporting significant damage to their plantations.

Obed Peña Méndez, a representative of the producers from the Congregación Reforma ejido, emphasised that this issue not only threatens the production of one of the region's primary economic engines but also jeopardises the livelihoods of families dependent on banana farming. 

The weevil pest attacks the roots of the banana plants, reducing both the quantity and quality of the fruit, rendering it unmarketable. This infestation also affects the weight of the bunches, causing production to plummet from about 5 tons per harvest to just 1.5 tons. This drastic decline puts the economic viability of the crops at risk and has a significant negative impact on the local economy.

"Despite our efforts to control the pest, the results have been limited," Peña Méndez stated. "We have resorted to artisanal treatments that include curarán, agricultural lime, and liquefied scouring pad, which cost approximately 1,200 pesos per hectare. However, this additional expense, combined with falling revenues, has worsened the financial crisis in the sector."

Producers are implementing these artisanal measures to combat the pest, but their efforts have proven insufficient. In light of this alarming situation, Peña Méndez made an urgent appeal to the Federal Government for support in recovering their crops and for the implementation of more effective control methods to address both the pest issue and market price volatility.